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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Just a Quick Hello
        
(Message started by: Bamalady on Apr 9^th, 2005, 1:36pm)

Title: Just a Quick Hello
Post by Bamalady on Apr 9^th, 2005, 1:36pm

I have been lurking and reading for awhile, and thought I would take the time to say hello. It seems that I am another clusterhead, and I am so glad to find you all. It would also seem that I am now chronic....16 months without a break of more than a week without a headache.

I have taken the survey and recently seen a neurologist. He gave a diagnosis but really didn't seem to know much about the disorder. I may have to look farther, but am going to try some of the alternative treatments first.

I was at WalMart yesterday and looked for the Melatonin, but they did not have any. Any other places I can look?

My headaches began following a medical procedure, and were fairly easy to get under control. I tapered off the meds and was PF for 2 years, and then they returned. While they are pretty much controlled now (break through about once a week), I cannot get off the meds without them hitting me. UGH!!!!

I would especially like to chat with anyone whose headaches began following a medical procedure, although all are welcome.

I will be in and out as I am still doing some reading.

Title: Re: Just a Quick Hello
Post by pattik on Apr 9^th, 2005, 1:51pm

Hi Bamalady,
Sorry you needed to find this site, but welcome. You are doing the right thing by looking around this site. There is a lot to be learned here. And many of the members here are chronic and may be able to offer you some help. You might click on the cluster quiz link on the left to compare your symptoms, since your neuro isn't up on clusters. And if you check out the "where we live" link, you might find some people in your area to contact regarding doctors who can help you. As far as melatonin is concerned, most of the major national chain drug stores would probably carry melatonin in their natural supplement areas. It is certainly worth a try.
All the best to you. pk :)

Title: Re: Just a Quick Hello
Post by Bamalady on Apr 9^th, 2005, 2:09pm

Hi Pattik-

Thanks for the welcome.

I took the quiz. The only answer that was off was for #9, because my headaches do occassionally change sides, although it is rare.

Thanks for the info on where to look for the Melatonin. I will find it next time I am out.

I am going to look for the Kudzu as well. It grows abundantly here, so if I am unable to find it in pill form, I can always dig some roots.

Thanks for the response. :)

Title: Re: Just a Quick Hello
Post by E-Double on Apr 9^th, 2005, 5:29pm

changing sides is not too rare...it's having an attack on both sides at the same time that rules out CH......

Welcome and wishing you relief!!!

Here is a great resource to know like the back of your hand

http://www.brightok.net/~mnjday/chtherapy.pdf

It will present the appropriate treatments that you should seek and your doctor should know!!! Print it out and give it to doctor to memorize!!!

Demand Oxygen for your house and for travel (can get different size tanks) read and print this out!!!

http://www.maplefallswebdesign.com/misc/oxygen/oxygen.htm

Wishing you the best !!
Best,
Eric

Title: Re: Just a Quick Hello
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Apr 9^th, 2005, 8:12pm

Welcme Bamalady,

Sorry you had to find us, but glad you did.

Follow Eric's link. It's the best drug information available. And keep reading. With cluster headaches, knowledgeable sufferers are their own best advocates for the correct treatments. The frequent challenge is finding a doctor who will work WITH us, rather than try to play the part of an expert.

PF Wishes,

Kris

Title: Re: Just a Quick Hello
Post by Bamalady on Apr 9^th, 2005, 10:15pm

Hi Eric-

I had already read the info at the links you left...saw them on another post....., but thanks. I will run it off and take it to my next appointment with me.

Headache on both sides??!!! Oh my, I hate to even think about that. The one side is more than enough as far as I am concerned!! Nope, never had one that was on both sides.

Hi Kris-

I learned a long time ago that I have to advocate for myself. It really is a shame how some physicians behave, isn't it?

There certainly are enough females on this board to make me wonder why a Dr. would say this is a "man's problem", as I was told.

Thank you both for the welcome. I am still reading!!

Title: Re: Just a Quick Hello
Post by Redneck on Apr 10^th, 2005, 6:24pm

Sorry you gotta be here, no one wants the "beast". glad you got here and found information that may help. As to (doctors) don't get me started, I fired more than I care to count ;;D
Good luck and hope you find more treatments that work well for you.

Title: Re: Just a Quick Hello
Post by Bamalady on Apr 10^th, 2005, 9:25pm

Hi Redneck-

Thanks for the kind words. I now have some of the Melatonin and am going to give that a try. It just seemed the logical choice since the majority of my headaches occur in the early morning hours. It is a horrible way to wake up.

I've fired a few Dr.s myself....including the one that started this whole thing. [smiley=laugh.gif]

Wish me luck everybody. I will let everyone know how it goes.